FOOTBALL: Broncos activate TE Marcedes Lewis, 41, for game vs. Chiefs

The Denver Broncos have promoted veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis and guard Calvin Throckmorton to the active roster for Thursday’s road game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Broncos (12-3) also elevated inside linebacker Levelle Bailey and wide receiver Michael Bandy from the practice squad for the matchup. Running back Cody Schrader was waived, while starting center Luke Wattenberg was placed on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury.

The Chiefs (6-9) made corresponding roster moves, signing linebacker Cole Christiansen from the practice squad to the active roster. They also elevated wide receiver Jason Brownlee and offensive tackle Matt Waletzko from the practice squad and placed receiver Nikko Remigio on injured reserve after he missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday with a knee issue.

Wattenberg, 28, had started all 15 games for Denver this season. Since being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he has appeared in 51 games with 29 starts.

Lewis, 41, has played in four games (one start) for the Broncos this season, logging 66 snaps on offense but no targets. Denver has been thin at tight end, with reserve Nate Adkins ruled out due to a knee injury and backup Adam Trautman missing practice Wednesday with an illness.

Originally drafted 28th overall by Jacksonville in 2006, Lewis is the second-oldest active player in the NFL this season, behind Aaron Rodgers. Over his career, he has totaled 437 receptions for 5,115 yards and 40 touchdowns in 289 regular-season games (230 starts) with the Jaguars (2006-17), Green Bay Packers (2018-22), Chicago Bears (2023-24), and Broncos. In 10 playoff games—all starts—he has 16 catches for 153 yards and one touchdown.

Throckmorton, 29, has appeared in nine games this season as a reserve. He has played in 57 career games with 27 starts for the New Orleans Saints (2021-22), Carolina Panthers (2023), Tennessee Titans (2023), and Broncos (2024-present).

—Field Level Media/Reuters